Americans use many idioms and slang. This can make it difficult to understand what people are saying! Have you heard someone say something that seems to make no sense at all? They might be using an idiom or slang. Idioms and slang are special words and language used within a culture or group of people. For example, in the United States, there is “California slang” and “New York slang”, and they are very different. If an idiomatic expression or slang becomes popular enough, it may spread across the country or even around the world. Language changes very quickly now because of TV and the Internet. Old slang may become outdated and be replaced by new words and phrases. When someone uses a new idiom or slang, it can be difficult to understand what they mean. But if it is used by enough people, it may become part of common, everyday conversation.
Read the following, find what they mean and when they are used. Can you add to the list?
Read the following, find what they mean and when they are used. Can you add to the list?
Idiom & Slang What do they mean? When is it used?
It costs an arm and a leg.
I am so hungry I could eat a horse.
She let the cat out of the bag.
He is a couch potato.